How do I Prune Georgia Blueberry Bushes?
- 1). Cut back blueberry canes at winter planting time to remove one-third to one-half of the cane length. Trim away any lower water sprouts from the crown and any weak, twig growth on the remaining canes. And snip off any buds you see to prevent flowering in that first year.
- 2). Remove immediately any buds, flowers or fruit that form on the canes in their first year after planting. This will divert all plant energy to developing strong roots and canes.
- 3). Refrain from pruning blueberry shrubs again, in any way, until they reach at least 6 to 8 feet high. At this juncture they are deemed established in the soil, and you can begin a regular pruning regimen.
- 4). Prune away one to three of the shrub's largest, oldest canes each year down to either the crown of the plant or up to roughly 24 inches above the soil, as desired. Overall, take out roughly 20 percent of the cane mass each year so after a five-year cycle, the entire shrub has been renewed.
- 5). Trim back the tips of the longest canes if they are growing out of proportion to the overall shrub. Bring them down to 6 or 8 feet high but no shorter.
- 6). Thin the interior cane and branch architecture to allow good sunlight penetration and air flow.
- 7). Prune back crossing, abrading, congested or crowded canes and branches. Prune away water sprouts, dense but spindly growth and low branches that graze the soil or do not grow in an upright position.
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